Sunday, December 26, 2010

from sketchbook to art quilt ~ work in progress

I'm finally getting the hang of free motion stitching (it truly just takes practice, lots of practice) and I love the idea of using the imagery from my sketchbook in my art quilts.

from my sketchbook (5x7Inches) by Jane LaFazio

On the left was the journal page from awhile back.

in progress by Jane LaFazio

Then, I printed the image onto sandwich/deli wrap (you could use tracing paper, or any light-weight paper) and pinned it to the BACK of my quilt (fabric and batting.) I free motion machine stitched the outline of my drawing. (I used green thread in the bobbin, in part because I'm not yet confident in bobbin tension and frankly, I was playing it safe.)

in progress by Jane LaFazio

in progress by Jane LaFazio

And the front of the fabric (soy wax mono-printed fabric by yours truly in a workshop a while back.) You can't see the green thread very well, but I'm okay with that, because now I'm going to stitch from the top, using black thread.

Being a very traditional quilter (so far, but I'm learning to loosen up!!) the idea of FMQ stitching first on the back and then again on the front as you have done, just never occurred to me, but now I can hardly wait to get to my sewing machine this morning!! FMQ is lots of fun, relaxing and almost hypnotic sometimes, and was my first step past traditional quilting. If I was rich, I'd fly to California and take one of your classes!!

@JoJo: I get the deli/sandwich wrap at costco or smart & final. @giddy up: I used an inkjet printer, and only tore part of the paper off--the part that was easy! left the rest of it there, and will cover it with a backing.thanks everyone!!Jane

Wonderful, I love your idea of starting the stitching from the reverse side. Yes FMQ is a leap of faith and keep your fingers clear. I find that once I get going with it I have a lot of fun.Thanks for sharing.Ellen

I have been trying to remember these techniques, and am so glad to have refund this tutorial of yours! It has been driving me crazy for the past week - and finally I've found it! Thank you again so very much for sharing so many of your wonderful techniques FREELY!